From vector-borne diseases to hazard-related injuries, we expect an increase in a multitude of health impacts. Certain populations, like low-income families, outdoor workers, children, pregnant women and elders are most vulnerable to these health risks.
In addition to exasperating current inequities, climate change also presents intergenerational inequities. Since greenhouse gases persist in the atmosphere for centuries, taking action today helps us prepare and protect the future health of our children and grandchildren.
Advancing health equity is at the core of our mission in Oregon’s Public Health Division. The Climate and Health Program is building on this commitment and working toward climate equity, where no person shoulders a heavier burden of climate impacts due to social or economic circumstances.
The Climate and Health Program developed this assessment to inform public health professionals and community partners engaged in climate change adaptation and resilience planning. It focuses specifically on social vulnerability as a way to integrate the concepts of social determinants and environmental justice into long-term planning. We hope to build off of this initial set of maps, adding measures of hazard exposures (such as extreme heat) and measures of adaptive capacity (such as air conditioning).
Health Equity Resources